In my several published routines using this principle, I always start with three coins, ideally handed to me by a spectator.
I later ditch one and use a sleight or pseudo sleight or gaff to display three.
The final vanish is powerful since there is no coin to hide.

I was introduced to this approach by Harry Shilling in 1957 who used a coin box and rattle gimmick to full advantage.
He would go from four coins to none, one at a time, using various sleights. But at any moment there was already one less than believed.

Several effects in T.U.C. Appreciation use this approach

Also as Larry indicated, the use of Invisibility as a Framing concept works well here.

Dear Funsway, you have given out a "worth its weight in gold " principle here, starting with a number, ditching one and using a false count or gaff to display three. I respect you greatly and the other later contributors who pointed out the need for a better use of principles and magic, of course with the one goal of delivering miracles, not puzzles, to our audience. thanks a million .